US 5,044,736 A · Configurable optical filter or display

Abstract

A configurable display comprising a distributed Bragg reflector having a plurality of flexible, compressible polymer layers is provided. The polymer layers are transparent and comprise alternating layers of differential index of refraction material so that a reflective surface is formed at each interface between the alternating layers. The polymer layers are sandwiched between a first electrode which is transparent and a second electrode. Thickness of each of the layers is designed such that light reflecting from the reflective surfaces interferes constructively at predetermined wavelengths. The thickness of each of the layers is altered by application of a static potential between the first and second electrodes which deforms the polymer layers thereby shifting the wavelength at which constructive interference occurs. In this manner wavelength and amplitude of reflective light can be modulated by a voltage applied between the first and second electrodes.

Claims12

Dependent claims

An optical display having a plurality of pixels, each pixel comprising:

a first transparent electrode;
a first layer of resilient transparent material mechanically coupled to the first transparent electrode, wherein the first layer has an index of refraction n.sub.i ;
a second layer of resilient transparent material having an index of refraction n.sub.2, wherein the second layer contacts the first layer to form a reflective interface;
and a second electrode mechanically coupled to the second layer.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Configurable optical filter or display

Life of this patent

Configurable optical filter or display

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims12